Pranks That Are Actually Criminal Offenses in Illinois

 Posted on December 06, 2024 in Criminal Defense

Playing a lighthearted prank on a friend, neighbor, or coworker can be a nice way to make a normal day a little more fun. The internet is full of prank videos. Even major TV networks feature TV shows based on pranking unsuspecting victims. As long as everyone - including the person being pranked - is laughing in the end, you are probably not going to face criminal charges. However, it is important to exercise great care when playing pranks that could be upsetting to the victim. If property is damaged, someone is hurt or made ill, or the prank could be construed as harassment, there is a chance you may be violating a criminal statute. If you are facing criminal charges after a prank has gone wrong, you need an experienced Joliet, IL criminal defense lawyer to help you.

Pranks That May Be Considered Criminal Assault 

When planning a prank, it is important to know that if you touch the victim or cause the victim to be touched in a way that is harmful or offensive or cause the victim to believe that he or she is going to be touched in this manner, you could be charged with criminal assault. Examples of pranks that might be considered criminal assaults or batteries include: 

• Hitting someone in the face with a pie. 
• Staging a fake kidnapping, mugging, or other violent crime and touching or grabbing the victim in the process. 
• Pointing a fake weapon at someone. 

Pranks That Cause Criminal Damage to Property

If your prank damages property that belongs to someone else, you could get arrested for criminal damage to property. Criminal damage to property can be considered a felony if the damage is costly enough. Pranks that are likely illegal under these laws include: 

• Placing a "stink bomb" or materials intended to cause an offensive odor in someone’s home or office. 
• Pouring sugar or water into the gas tank of someone else’s car. 
• Throwing paint or slime onto someone’s furniture. 

When Pranking is Considered Harassment 

Especially if you repeatedly target the same unwilling victim, taking a series of pranks too far can leave you facing harassment charges. Examples of pranking that could lead to harassment or similar charges include: 

• Repeatedly sending obscene or frightening text messages or emails to a person. 
• Following a person from place to place to carry out any type of prank. 
• Giving a person’s phone number to numerous known spammers such that the person will receive repeated and unwanted phone calls. 

Contact a Joliet, IL Criminal Defense Lawyer 

McNamara Phelan McSteen, LLC is committed to providing the best defense possible to people facing criminal charges. Our experienced Will County, IL criminal defense attorneys can help you if you were arrested after a prank went too far. Contact us at 815-727-0100 for a complimentary consultation.